Maitreyi College, Delhi University, will be offering a full-time postgraduate diploma in nanotechnology from this academic year. The course aims to impart training in practical and fundamental aspects of nanomaterials/nanotechnology and instrumentation for nanotechnology. Developed under the University Grants Commissionís (UGC) scheme of most innovative courses, the course will try to create necessary manpower required in the field of nanotechnology. "Maitreyi College had been running a short-term add-on course in nanotechnology. But, it was only for five months. Following the increasing popularity of the course and the increasing opportunities in the field of nanotechnology, the UGC invited us to develop this course," informed Savita Dutta, principal, Maitreyi College.

"The syllabus for this course has been approved by the UGC, and we consulted various departments and faculties of the university. The UGC has sanctioned an amount of Rs 50 lakh for offering this course," she added. According to Dutta, nanotechnology is an emerging area and it is important to prepare necessary manpower that can handle superior and sophisticated scientific equipment. "The course has been prepared keeping this aspect in mind," she said. Since the focus of the programme is to develop industry-oriented skills, students will be expected to take the course in two semesters and project work with industry or a dissertation with a national laboratory. "A professional in the field of nanotechnology can easily find lucrative career opportunities in the field of nanomedicine, stem cell development, pharmaceutical companies, nanotoxicology and nanopower generating sector," added Dutta.

There is also scope for those who want to work in the R&D sector. "The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has set up 38 laboratories across the country to carry out research and development work in this field. Those with a PhD in nanotechnology will have opportunities in the R&D sector. Keeping this in mind, we have introduced a diploma programme. Students after attending the programme can pursue a PhD or a MTech programme launched by Delhi University," she said.

Any student who graduated with science with 50% marks will be eligible to apply for the course. The college will be selecting 25 students for this course through an aptitude test. And the fee for the entire course will be Rs 10,000 ó including the course material.